Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Takes Maiden North American Win
Gaydon, 29 August 2013 - Aston Martin's Vantage GT4 competition car, run by TRG-AMR North America, claimed its first North American race win last weekend at Sonoma Raceway, California, while the team's V12 Vantage GT made an encouraging debut.American driver Brandon Davis guided the #27 Vantage GT4 to victory in round 13 of the Pirelli World Challenge after starting from second on the grid. Having made a bold move for the lead on lap 19, Davis maintained his advantage to the chequered flag to secure victory in the GTS category and become part of Aston Martin Racing's history in North America.
'I'm proud to be the first driver to win in the Vantage GT4 in America,' commented Davis. 'The car was great all day and I hope we can keep winning with it!'
John Gaw, Team Principal at Aston Martin Racing, adds: 'Huge congratulations to TRG-AMR. The Vantage GT4 has been incredibly successful in championships around the world and now it can add a North American win to its list of accomplishments. We believe there is an exciting future in America for the Vantage GT4, which is incredibly comfortable to drive, while the feedback is that it is matching and surpassing the performance of its rivals.'
Meanwhile, in the leading GT category, TRG-AMR North America's newly delivered V12 Vantage GT – a derivative of the multiple race-winning V12 Vantage GT3 – made an encouraging debut.
Buckler put the car's competitive race pace to good use and, despite starting the race from the pit lane, went on to finish a strong sixth overall, setting the second fastest lap of the race in the process.
'This was a great day for TRG-AMR North America,' comments Buckler. 'Our brand new V12 Vantage GT was competing in its first North American race and I was able to put together a strong run. The car felt fantastic to drive and had real pace throughout the race. We've worked closely with the team at Aston Martin Racing to develop the car so that it meets with Grand Am specifications and we've created a very competitive race car that is set to make waves in North America next year.'
In 2014, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series will merge with the American Le Mans Series to make the United SportsCar Championship and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT will be a strong contender in the GT class.
John Gaw Team Principal explains: 'The Vantage GT car is adapted from the standard Vantage GT3 to meet the requirements of the Grand-Am series in America this year and the United SportsCar Championship next year. We have modified the design of the standard roll cage, designed a new 20-US gallon fuel cell, redesigned the front splitter and fitted the series specification rear wing and Bosch engine management as per Grand Am regulations.
'The Vantage GT3 has been hugely successful in major championships and 24-hour around the world so it's American counterpart has the potential to be incredibly competitive.'
All of Aston Martin's racing cars are based on the Vantage, the sportiest car in the British marque's range. The V12 Vantage GT is a V12 Vantage GT3-based car designed for the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car series; the championship takes in 13 races across the USA and the car is now available for customers to buy and race.
For further information visit www.astonmartin.com/racing.
posted on conceptcarz.com
